Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, island
republic in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of India,
a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Sri Lanka is separated from
India by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. Lying between the two
nations is a chain of tiny islands known as Adam’s Bridge. Sri
Lanka is somewhat pear-shaped, with its apex in the north. The greatest
length from north to south is 440 km (270 mi); the greatest width
is 220 km (about 140 mi). The total area of Sri Lanka is 65,610 sq
km (25,332 sq mi). The administrative capital of Sri Lanka is Sri
Jayawardenepura (Kotte), and Colombo is the commercial capital and
largest city.
Sri Lanka’s coast, particularly the west, south, and southeast,
is palm-fringed and indented by lagoons and inlets. The more rugged
northeastern coast contains Trincomalee Harbor, considered one of
the best natural harbors in the world. On the southwestern coast
other harbors include the largely artificial one at Colombo and
one at Galle.
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